FINAL REPORT: IS THE URBAN FOREST A NATURAL RESOURCE PUBLIC UTILITY?

This project aimed at stressing the importance of urban forests as a Biogenic Public Utility rather than being aesthetic pleasing or an added amentity.

Contemporary urban forestry has struggled under the label of aesthetics and amenities since its inception many years ago. In the majority of governmental debates involving budget allocations, city tree care is among the first to experience the fiscal axe. It would appear that the innocent connotation of "aesthetics and amenities" is compromising adequate funding. To affect this issue, it is proposed that a more penetrating designation for urban forests is that of a "Biogenic Public Utility (BPU)." This designation is not offered as a testable scientific hypothesis. It is essentially a methodology intended to strengthen the purpose and posture of trees in places where people live, work and play and to influence public policy. The foregoing best describes the purpose and intent of the study.

"Is The Urban Forest A Natural Resource Public Utility" study was an innovative, creative concept that took many twists and turns during the past two years. This final report generally summarizes the findings, unanticipated problems and proposed future directions. Rewarding and disappointing best describes the study experience.

Rewarding in terms of data collection which obviously supports the concept of urban trees as public utilities and the evolution of some new related concepts. Disappointment was experienced with the California Public Utilities Commission for their lack of accurate, timely information and cooperation.

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